Tubular chimes



Nov. 8, 1932. M. A. STROTHOTTE TUBULAR CHIMES Filed Oct. 15, 1929 G M m. Jn R Y 1 m m m x w 4 A E m m D m =1, 0 C d w H B a i A k 6 Fnm I 4 A. E m 1 3 6 2 N 5 8 D 2 2 r i C m L Patented Nov. 8, 1932 UNITED STATES TUBULAR oiiIMEs' I This invention relates to musical instruments and more particularly refers to im provements in the construction of tubular chimes.

The primary object of my invention is to provide a novel and improved arrangement of tubular chimes whereby excessive vibration is checked and the resultant overtones are reduced to a minimum.

Another object of this invention is to provide, in connection with an instrument of the class specified, means whereby the playing of the same may be readily mastered.

In instruments of the type to which this invention refers, comprising a plurality of tubular members each capable of producing a different tone or note when struck with a hammer, it is customary to suspend each tubular member or chime from the upper end, letting the same dangle freely from its point of suspension. Due to this construction the chimes are apt to vibrate to an excessive degree, and are also apt at times to strike one against another, interfering with the quality of the musical rendition.

My present invention tends to correct these conditions and also to provide certain other improvements making it easier for the beginner to learn how to play this type of instrument.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of an instrument embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary plan section of same through line 33 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary front view in an enlarged scale of a crossbar or panel carrying certain musical designations relating to the underlying tubes or chimes.

Referring to the drawing, 10 is a baseboard comprising a pedestal 11, in which supportin columns or posts 12 are mounted in an upright position. Attached to the upper end of each of the said uprights 12, is a strip or bar of wood or other suitable material upon which are provided by printing or otherwise, certain musical designations which will be described later in detail.

Convenient means for supportingsheet music are also "preferably provided at the .top'of the instrument frameyfor instance, a ledge may be provided consistingnof a U- shaped bar-orwire, attached onto the'upper ends of. posts 12; Sheet music placed against said ledge may be prevented from sliding down by causing its lower edge to rest against the projecting edge 15 of the bar 13.]: T

A plurality-ofatubulancliimes 16 of different dimensions =arefplaceduat spaced inter vals between-the posts12; Said chimes are maintained in position .by means 'of' two spaced:stringsor cords 17, which are tied securelyiabout each tube as indicated at 18,:said tubular chimes 16 being notched slightly-for the-'receptionsofsaid cords,17. Strings or ,cordsil'l preferably extend'across the frame, their ends being securely attached to-posts 12, as shown-at 19', so that the chimes will be maintainediin a verticalpositiomiolnffront of tubes :16 and atright'angles theretoa tube-2O is horizontally suspended by means of a cord 21, said cord 21 being firmly attached at each end'to the posts 12, as shown at 22. The purpose of tube 20 is to produceza chromatic interpolative semi-tone, distinct fromthat produced by any one of the tubes 165 That is, if the'auxiliary tube'2O were tuned-in F-sharp, it would be a semitone distinct from the tubes 16 tuned in F or G; or, again, if the auxiliary chime 20 were tuned in B-fiat, it would be a semi-tone distinct from the tubes 16 tuned in A or B.

On the scale board 18, the diatonic scale is represented in four distinct ways; namely, at 23 by the alphabetical designations A, B, C, etc; at 24 by the Italian designations, do, re, mi, etc.; at 25 by the customary sheet-music, staff designations; and at 26 by numbers as 1, 2, 3, etc.

The purpose of this multiform musical scale representation is to facilitate the mastery of the instrument by a beginner, by presenting a ready means of transition from simple designations to more complex representations.

In the drawing twelve vertical tubes 16, are shown, but it is to be understood that this number may be decreased or increased. Also it is to be understood that these tubes may be so mounted that the direction of their axes may be horizontal, or at any angle, rather than Vertical. Also more than two suspension cords may be utilized.

Although only one auxiliary tube 20, is shown it. is obvious: that as many tubes as may beifonndessential may be employed."

It will be observed that although the tubu;

lar chimes are held at two points along their length so as to permanently maintain them in a set position, the retaining means ,em-

ployed are of a flexible nature; therefore,

although excessive Vibration is-checked, normal vibration is not interfered with to any mafleriahextenta I v (The drawingz istobe regarded as: merely illustrative :and notin a limiting sense; I ancordingly reserve the' right to depart there'- fromin response to'the'exigencies ocfi artistic or commercial u practicea 5 while remaining, fiaxirly, within. the: scope. of the appended claims. f- W'- I claim: i

1i. Imamusi'call instrument of the charac ter; described, the-combination,- witlm a pluralityofiparall'el tubular chimes; each-capable ofproduciargrone' of the tones of the diatomic major scale,.o f one or more parallel auxiliary tubular chi-mes ofi different tones in the musica'l) scale, each'asemi-toner distinct from thatof' either. of .the two acent chimes in the tone'sequenceof the aforesaid d iatonie major-scale: 1

2.; In 'a' musical sinstrumentof th'e character described, the combinationywith a plurality ozfivparallel tubular chimes each capable; of producing one-101i the: tones of: thevdia-tonie major scal'e 'of one-or more parallel auxiliary tubwlaa' chimes of difierent. tones in, the musical scale, each a semi-tone: distinct from that of. either of. the two" adjacentrchimes in the tone; sequence of the atone-said diatoniamaj or scale; said. auxiliary chimes being directed transverselyof the afore-sa'idlplurality of I tubular 'eh i mesz MAURICE-ARNOLD STRO'EHO'IITE. 

